Early Days

Memories Of Pioneers In Papua

THE reminiscences of pioneers and old timers of the South Seas always make fascinating reading. Mr. J. Nixon-West wood, who has had experience in the Pacific Islands as a planter and miner and who is now residing in London, writes interestingly of the hectic times brought to mind by Frank Pryke’s poem “Old Samarai” in the December issue.

It was “Old Samarai” in those days, writes Mr. Nixon-Westwood, when the miners were “grubstaked” by the Honour able Bill, and the Auerbachs and Delaney came in from the Trobriands and when Gus Nelsson took into partnership that well-known youngster (in those days), Leslie Allan Joubert. Frank Pryke men tions Nicholas, known to most as “Nick the Greek” and to some with the prefix “Old Nick.” The names in the poem’s last stanza certainly make one live some of his past life over again, and to me the name of Matt. Crowe will always be one to cherish with sincerity.

When I first went to Papua there was only one “pub” in Port Moresby, and Tom McCrann was the genial “mine host.” All comers were welcome at his table, and no one ever went hungry. It was in the old “pub” that a reporter from Melbourne made his appearance, and also at that time a number of miners who were en route to Lakekamu. Before leaving they were having one last “binge” and the bar was full. Just before this, however, Matt, had shown a fatherly interest in me, and when he discovered that I did not drink, but at the same time was not wowser, he took me under his wing.

The reporter was looking for copy and stood drinks all round. When old Tom poured my “soft” one out the newspaper man, in a very strong and dissatisfied voice, said, “Hey, young man, what in the hell do you call that stuff You can’t expect me to pay for such ‘rot gut’.” Matt., standing next to me, immediately cham pioned my cause, and after giving the man a gentle but firm talking to, which did not have any effect, took him by the seat of the pants and the shirt collar, carried him

bodily to the edge of the verandah, and dropped him over, saying at the same time, “If anyone insuits my friend Jimmie, then he insults me.” From that time, as an abstainer, I was no longer chivvied, but I must say I had a hard fight at the start.

Matt. Crowe, with the Pryke Brothers, Leslie Joubert, Gus Nelsson, Billy Ivory and a host of others, made more history in New Guinea and Papua than will ever be told. I do hope Frank Pryke will, in his own poetic manner, give more of his ex periences, and take “P.I.M.” readers with him on that voyage of discovery to the source of the Fly River.

Reading “Old Samarai” puts me into touch with an happening which may be remembered by some of the older New Guineaites. I was staying at “Billy the Cook’s.” In the next room was a well known miner, O’Toole; he was an ornery person, and always looking for trouble which, strange to say, he appeared to be always able to find.

This particular time a well-known planter was discussing the merits of plant ing, and his opponent was an equally well known miner. The planter was getting the worst of the argument when O’Toole chipped in, and said, “Oh, leave the poor little man alone, can’t you?” With that the miner turned to O’Toole and his right arm shot out, a groan, and the splintering of woodwork, and O’Toole found himself up against the banister rails of the stairs in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. The planter discreetly made a getaway and some kindly disposed person took O’Toole back to his room.

When I awoke the next morning I was called for by O’Toole, and he asked me to feel his ribs and tell him if any were broken. My suggestion was that he should go to the hospital, which he did, and there they found he had three ribs fractured, in addition to the loveliest pair of black eyes one could ever see.

Mr. D. W. Robertson, of Messrs. Mor ris, Hedstrom Ltd.’s staff at Apia, Wes tern Samoa, died in hospital after a pro longed illness on March 4, at the age of 43. A native of Scotland, Mr. Robertson had had business experience in Australia and New Zealand before being appointed departmental manager of Messrs. Mor ris, Hedstrom’s Apia store in 1931.